Gamma Butyrolactone

Chemicals Characteristics

Synonyms: gamma-Butyrolactone, Butan-4-olide, 4-Hydroxybutanoic acid lactone, 1,4-Butyrolactone
Chemical Formula: C₄H₆O₂
CAS Number: 96-48-0

Key Points/Overview

Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL) is highly regarded for its excellent solvent capabilities and chemical stability, significantly enhancing chemical synthesis efficiency. Notable characteristics include:

• High Solubility: Highly effective solvent due to its significant solubility in water and organic compounds.

• Chemical Stability: Stable under standard industrial conditions, making it ideal for long-term storage and usage.

• Intermediate Compound: Key intermediate in synthesising various chemical and pharmaceutical products, particularly pyrrolidones.

Uses & Benefits

Gamma Butyrolactone’s versatility provides significant benefits across various industries. Detailed applications include:

Chemical Industry

GBL plays a critical role as an intermediate and solvent, enhancing synthesis efficiency and product quality.

• Intermediate and Solvent:

  • Essential in synthesising pyrrolidones and pharmaceutical compounds.

  • Efficient solvent in numerous chemical reactions, improving reaction yield.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Its solvent properties make GBL indispensable for industrial cleaning purposes.

• Effective Cleaning Agent:

  • Widely used in paint strippers, graffiti removers, and electronic circuit board cleaners.

  • Capable of dissolving stubborn substances, significantly improving maintenance outcomes.

Pharmaceutical and Biomedical

GBL contributes substantially to pharmaceutical research and biomedical applications.

• Pharmacological Agent:

  • Endogenously converts into gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), important in neurological research.

  • Used in pharmaceutical formulations, aiding development of neuroactive medications.

Chemical Manufacturing

GBL is instrumental in chemical manufacturing processes, especially in producing high-performance solvents and intermediates.

• N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) Production:

  • Crucial intermediate in manufacturing NMP, widely used in industrial solvents and coatings.

• Enhanced Chemical Stability:

  • Supports stable and consistent chemical reactions, essential for precision manufacturing.

Electronics Industry

GBL serves as a vital cleaning agent within electronics manufacturing, ensuring high-quality maintenance of components.

• Circuit Board Cleaning:

  • Removes contaminants effectively, enhancing reliability and performance of electronic components.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

GBL finds niche applications in cosmetic manufacturing, providing consistency and quality in formulations.

• Formulation Stabiliser:

  • Helps stabilise cosmetic and personal care formulations, improving shelf-life and efficacy.

Safety Information

Handling GBL demands strict adherence to safety measures to mitigate potential health risks. Given its widespread industrial applications, comprehensive risk assessments should be conducted regularly to ensure a consistently safe working environment. Additionally, clearly labelled and easily accessible emergency response kits must be maintained in workplaces to effectively manage accidental exposure incidents.

Potential Hazards

• Skin and Eye Irritation:

  • Can cause irritation or chemical burns upon prolonged exposure.

• Respiratory Risks:

  • Inhalation of vapours may irritate respiratory passages, causing discomfort and breathing issues.

• Ingestion Hazards:

  • Harmful if swallowed, potentially leading to gastrointestinal distress and more severe symptoms.

Safety Precautions

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Mandatory use of gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection during handling.

• Ventilation Requirements:

  • Adequate ventilation or fume extraction is necessary to minimise inhalation risks.

• Emergency Response Measures:

  • Immediate rinsing with water upon skin or eye contact.

  • Prompt medical attention required in case of severe exposure.

Storage Recommendations

Proper storage practices help maintain GBL’s chemical integrity and safety:

• Container Requirements:

  • Store in tightly sealed containers made from compatible materials like stainless steel or specialised plastics.

• Optimal Conditions:

  • Keep containers in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight and heat.

• Chemical Compatibility:

  • Avoid storing near strong oxidisers, acids, bases, and moisture.

Occupational Exposure Controls

Implementing exposure control strategies is essential to maintain safe handling of GBL. Companies must regularly update and communicate these strategies clearly to all employees involved. A systematic review and improvement process should also be established, ensuring continuous adherence to evolving industry safety standards and regulatory requirements.

• Engineering Controls:

  • Employ closed-system handling methods.

  • Regularly maintain ventilation and exhaust systems.

• Administrative Controls:

  • Provide extensive training on handling GBL safely.

  • Establish clearly defined safety protocols.

• Health Surveillance:

  • Conduct regular medical screenings for personnel exposed to GBL.

  • Maintain detailed exposure records.

Environmental Impact and Disposal

Responsible environmental practices are vital for mitigating GBL-related environmental risks. Implementing comprehensive spill prevention and response protocols can significantly reduce potential contamination events. Regular training sessions and drills should also be conducted to ensure preparedness and swift action in case of accidental environmental releases.

• Environmental Risks:

  • Potential water contamination risks from spills.

  • Harmful effects on aquatic organisms due to toxicity.

• Disposal Guidelines:

  • Comply strictly with local and regulatory guidelines.

  • Neutralise residues before disposal to reduce environmental impact.

Gamma Butyrolactone’s diverse industrial applications and robust chemical properties underscore its importance across various sectors. Safe handling practices and adherence to environmental guidelines ensure its continued and responsible use, optimising benefits while minimising risks for industry stakeholders.